Description:
Objective: To evaluate the protective eyewear promotion (PEP) project, which was a comprehensive educational strategy to increase the use of appropriate protective eyewear by squash players. Methods: An ecological study design was used. Four squash venues in one playing association were randomly chosen to receive PEP and four in another association maintained usual practice and hence formed a control group. The primary evaluation measurements were surveys of cross sectional samples of players carried out before and after the intervention. The surveys investigated players’ knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes associated with the use of protective eyewear. The survey carried out after the intervention also determined players’ exposure to PEP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to describe differences at PEP venues from pre- to post-intervention and to compare these with the control venues. Results: The PEP players had 2.4 times the odds (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.2) of wearing appropriate eyewear compared with control group players post-intervention, relative to the groups’ preintervention baselines. Components of PEP, such as stickers and posters and the availability and prominent positioning of the project eyewear, were found to contribute to players adopting favourable eyewear behaviours. Conclusions: Components of the PEP intervention were shown to be effective. The true success will be the sustainability and dissemination of the project, favourable eyewear behaviours, and evidence of the prevention of eye injuries long into the future.
Description:
Objective: To evaluate the protective eyewear promotion (PEP) project, which was a comprehensive educational strategy to increase the use of appropriate protective eyewear by squash players. Methods: An ecological study design was used. Four squash venues in one playing association were randomly chosen to receive PEP and four in another association maintained usual practice and hence formed a control group. The primary evaluation measurements were surveys of cross sectional samples of players carried out before and after the intervention. The surveys investigated players’ knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes associated with the use of protective eyewear. The survey carried out after the intervention also determined players’ exposure to PEP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to describe differences at PEP venues from pre- to post-intervention and to compare these with the control venues. Results: The PEP players had 2.4 times the odds (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.2) of wearing appropriate eyewear compared with control group players post-intervention, relative to the groups’ preintervention baselines. Components of PEP, such as stickers and posters and the availability and prominent positioning of the project eyewear, were found to contribute to players adopting favourable eyewear behaviours. Conclusions: Components of the PEP intervention were shown to be effective. The true success will be the sustainability and dissemination of the project, favourable eyewear behaviours, and evidence of the prevention of eye injuries long into the future.
Description:
The use of appropriate eyewear in squash can protect the eyes against injury. However, few adult squash players adequately protect their eyes against potential severe injuries. We describe the characteristics of non-users of protective eyewear and examine predictors of appropriate eyewear use. Self-report surveys of adult players were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Information on players' knowledge, behaviours and attitudes associated with protective eyewear use was collected, in addition to player demographic data. Appropriate eyewear was defined as Standards-approved polycarbonate lens eyewear. The majority 92.2% of players did not adequately protect their eyes while playing squash. Significant predictors of reported eyewear use were: previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hr per wk; having played for more than 20 y; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. The significant predictors of appropriate eyewear use were: being female; previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hr per week; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. Understanding the characteristics of both users and non-users of appropriate eye protection in squash is essential for informing future prevention strategies.
Description:
The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of static stretching in a warm-up on hip flexor and quadriceps flexibility as measured by a modified Thomas test and on range of motion (ROM) of the leg and foot speed at impact in kicking a football with maximum effort. Sixteen Australian Rules (AR) footballers performed two different warm-ups on different days. One warm-up involved five minutes of sub-maximum running followed by seven practice kicks, while the other also included 4.5 minutes static stretching of the hip flexors and quadriceps after the running. A modified Thomas test was conduced before and after each warm-up. Players performed maximum effort drop punt kicks into a net while being videotaped to determine the ROM of the kicking leg and foot speed at impact with the ball. There were no significant changes in flexibility (p>0.05) as a result of either warm-up and there were no significant differences between the warm-ups in the kicking variables (p>0.05). It was concluded that the Thomas test may not have been sensitive to possible acute changes in flexibility from the warm-ups, and that stretching had no influence on kicking ROM or foot speed, possibly because of the complexity of the kicking skill.
Description:
The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of static stretching in a warm-up on hip flexor and quadriceps flexibility as measured by a modified Thomas test and on range of motion (ROM) of the leg and foot speed at impact in kicking a football with maximum effort. Sixteen Australian Rules (AR) footballers performed two different warm-ups on different days. One warm-up involved five minutes of sub-maximum running followed by seven practice kicks, while the other also included 4.5 minutes static stretching of the hip flexors and quadriceps after the running. A modified Thomas test was conduced before and after each warm-up. Players performed maximum effort drop punt kicks into a net while being videotaped to determine the ROM of the kicking leg and foot speed at impact with the ball. There were no significant changes in flexibility (p>0.05) as a result of either warm-up and there were no significant differences between the warm-ups in the kicking variables (p>0.05). It was concluded that the Thomas test may not have been sensitive to possible acute changes in flexibility from the warm-ups, and that stretching had no influence on kicking ROM or foot speed, possibly because of the complexity of the kicking skill.
Description:
Introduction/Purpose: The objectives of this study were to examine whether a static stretching (SS) routine decreased isometric force, muscle activation, and jump power while improving range of motion (ROM). Second, the study attempted to compare the duration of the dependent variable changes with the duration of the change in ROM. Methods: Twelve participants were tested pre- and post- (POST, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min) SS of the quadriceps and plantar flexors (PF) or a similar period of no stretch (control). Measurements during isometric contractions included maximal voluntary force (MVC), evoked contractile properties (peak twitch and tetanus), surface integrated electromyographic (iEMG) activity of the agonist and antagonistic muscle groups, and muscle inactivation as measured by the interpolated twitch technique (ITT). Vertical jump (VJ) measurements included unilateral concentric-only (no countermovement) jump height as well as drop jump height and contact time. ROM associated with seated hip flexion, prone hip extension, and plantar flexion-dorsiflexion was also recorded. Results: After SS, there were significant overall 9.5% and 5.4% decrements in the torque or force of the quadriceps for MVC and ITT, respectively. Force remained significantly decreased for 120 min (10.4%), paralleling significant percentage increases (6%) in sit and reach ROM (120 min). After SS, there were no significant changes in jump performance or PF measures. Conclusion: The parallel duration of changes in ROM and quadriceps isometric force might suggest an association between stretch-induced changes in muscle compliance and isometric force output.
Description:
Turning time can account for more than 20% of a swimming race and better turns can improve performance significantly. Two underwater video cameras and a force platform were used to analyse the turning techniques of 16 female and 12 male, age-group, butterfly swimmers of similar swimming experience. Subjects were of mean age 13.3±1.6 years; height, 166.4±11.2cm and mass, 55.1±11.5kg. Two x 50m maximal effort butterfly swims were completed from a push-start on a 3 minute departure interval in a 25m pool. The criterion measure was the time elapsed between passing the 5m mark on the approach and departure from the wall, named the 5m Round Trip Time (RTT). A one-way ANOVA revealed no gender differences. The 5m RTT correlated significantly (p<0.01) with 50m time, height, mass, armspan, peak horizontal force, impulse, velocity-in, wall exit velocity, leg resumption speed and arm resumption distance. The 5m RTT was predicted by the equation : 12.228 - 0.024 height + 2.128 pivot time - 0.422 arm resumption distance - 1.275 arm resumption speed, when velocity-in and 50m time were removed as predictor variables.
Description:
The purpose of the study was to investigate landings In netball to ascertain whether or not an extra step on landing would significantly alter the forces on the body and to Investigate the landings that were least stressful on the body. Eighteen State or Under 21 netball players participated as subjects. The subjects performed five different landing conditions at two pass heights. The five landing conditions were three legal landings consisting of a piVOt. a run-on and a two foot landing. The other two landings used an extra step technique for the pivot and run-on landings. Data were collected using two force plates. The data were analysed using an ANCOVA, with approach speed as the covariate. The range of values for peak vertical ground reaction force were from 3.53 to 5,74 BW and for peak braking force the range was from 0.83 to 1,75 BW. No Significant differences were found between each respective legal and extra step techniques. The run-on techniques exhibited lower peak forces, longer attenuation times and lower loading rates than the pivot or two foot landing conditions. The data clearly showed that there were no advantages to be gained from taking an extra step for either the pivot or run-on landing techniques. The run-on technique of landing appears to be most beneficial to reducing loads on the lower limb. Achange to the footwork rules cannot be recommended based on the results of this study.
Description:
Sports venues are in a position to potentially influence the safety practices of their patrons. This study examined the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of venue operators that could influence the use of protective eyewear by squash players. A 50% random sample of all private and public squash venues affiliated with the Victorian Squash Federation in metropolitan Melbourne was selected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 squash venue operators during August 2001. Interviews were transcribed and content and thematic analyses were performed. The content of the interviews covered five topics: (1) overall injury risk perception, (2) eye injury occurrence, (3) knowledge, behaviors, attitudes and beliefs associated with protective eyewear, (4) compulsory protective eyewear and (5) availability of protective eyewear at venues. Venue operators were mainly concerned with the severe nature of eye injuries, rather than the relatively low incidence of these injuries. Some venue operators believed that players should wear any eyewear, rather than none at all, and believed that more players should use protective eyewear. Generally, they did not believe that players with higher levels of experience and expertise needed to wear protective eyewear when playing. Only six venues had at least one type of eyewear available for players to hire or borrow or to purchase. Operators expressed a desire to be informed about correct protective eyewear. Appropriate protective eyewear is not readily available at squash venues. Better-informed venue operators may be more likely to provide suitable protective eyewear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Injury Control & Safety Promotion is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Description:
This paper describes the author's experience in attempting to assist tertiary students connect with the natural environment through outdoor and environmental education experiences. The paper addresses research conducted with students undertaking an outdoor and environmental education degree and focuses on the pedagogical methods employed in this context. It argues that outdoor and environmental education practitioners may benefit from moving away from a mode of teaching based upon 'generic' methods and look instead to a more local, specific and contextual form of education. By describing an outdoor and environmental education journey in a local, 'ordinary' place and students' experiences in unearthing the stories embedded in this place, the paper aims to provide some practical strategies to engage young people in a direct and meaningful way. The intention is to broaden the pedagogical possibilities related to facilitating experiences in natural environments and thus contribute to bridging the rhetoric/reality gap in outdoor education. [Author abstract, ed]
Description:
Improving human-nature relationships is often a stated aim of outdoor education, yet this aim is not always made explicit in practice. This paper reflects on a pedagogical intervention which aims to find ways to explicitly develop students' connections with natural places through a tertiary outdoor and environmental education program. It describes the intervention process, which is guided by principles of collaborative action research. Furthermore, the intervention uses a multi-pronged teaching approach incorporating repeated visits to natural places utilising different 'ways of knowing', weekly readings, journal writing, collaborative discussions, and others. The paper summarizes the key findings of the research project and report that repeated visits to a natural place using different ways of knowing (e.g., historical, scientific, ecological, artistic, experiential, etc) are influential in improving connections. It concludes with a discussion of the opportunities and dilemmas of using action research as a form of pedagogy. [Author abstract, ed]
Description:
Eye injuries in squash have the potential to be severe. Although these injuries can be prevented through the use of protective eyewear, few players wear such eyewear. The aim of this paper is to outline the behavioural principles guiding the design of a squash eyewear promotion initiative, the Protective Eyewear Promotion (PEP). Ecological principles of behaviour change were used to provide a comprehensive perspective on intrapersonal factors, policies and physical environmental influences of protective eyewear use. Results of baseline player surveys and venue manager interviews were used to provide relevant and specific intervention content. At baseline, protective eyewear was not found to be readily available, and players' behaviours, knowledge and attitudes did not favour its use. The main components of PEP involved informing and educating both players and squash venue operators of the risk of eye injury and of appropriate protective eyewear, as well as assisting with the availability of the eyewear and offering incentives for players to use it. A structural strength of PEP was the strong collaborative links with the researchers of different disciplines, the squash governing body, eyewear manufacturers, squash venue personnel, as well as players. Attempts were made within the project structure to make provision for the future dissemination and sustainability of more widespread eye injury prevention measures in the sport of squash. Copyright 2004 Adis Data Information BV
Description:
The aim of this work package was to identify a set of key job performance tasks, which were considered to represent the critical physical performance requirements and risks relevant to Infantry and Airfield Defence Guards, for more intensive examination. A total of 34 tasks were identified for further detailed observation and analysis in the next work package (WBS: 1.1.2.2). These tasks were selected using a process of analysis which was consistent with processes used in previously reported studies, such as Rayson (1998). The objectives of this analysis process were to identify those tasks that are: 1. Most physically demanding and/or impacting on cognitive function; 2. Common to all the combat arms; 3. Specific to a particular combat arm, trade or sub-trades; and 4. Considered to involve higher levels of risk of injury. The method followed a three-step process, including: 1. A preliminary review of existing ADF task analysis survey data, competency statements and sub-trade manuals; 2. A questionnaire to subject matter experts; and 3. A series of one-day workshops at Puckapunyal. The outcome of this analysis process was a list of 34 tasks that represented a combination of physically demanding tasks, common tasks and high-risk tasks. For the purposes of detailed task observation, the tasks were provisionally allocated, 20 to Infantry and 15 to Airfield Defence Guards. One duplicate task appears in both lists.
Description:
The aim of this work package was to identify a set of key job performance tasks, which were considered to represent the critical physical performance requirements and risks relevant to Infantry and Airfield Defence Guards, for more intensive examination. A total of 34 tasks were identified for further detailed observation and analysis in the next work package (WBS: 1.1.2.2). These tasks were selected using a process of analysis which was consistent with processes used in previously reported studies, such as Rayson (1998). The objectives of this analysis process were to identify those tasks that are: 1. Most physically demanding and/or impacting on cognitive function; 2. Common to all the combat arms; 3. Specific to a particular combat arm, trade or sub-trades; and 4. Considered to involve higher levels of risk of injury. The method followed a three-step process, including: 1. A preliminary review of existing ADF task analysis survey data, competency statements and sub-trade manuals; 2. A questionnaire to subject matter experts; and 3. A series of one-day workshops at Puckapunyal. The outcome of this analysis process was a list of 34 tasks that represented a combination of physically demanding tasks, common tasks and high-risk tasks. For the purposes of detailed task observation, the tasks were provisionally allocated, 20 to Infantry and 15 to Airfield Defence Guards. One duplicate task appears in both lists.
Description:
This technical note describes a comparison of relative errors in one-camera 2D underwater motion analysis when using two different control structure methods for calibrating video images. Eleven male and six female participants performed underwater kicking swim trials. A reference structure of known length and each swimmer's actual (land measured) thigh length were each used to calibrate the movement space from which digitised thigh lengths were calculated from each trial. For each trial, mean thigh lengths calculated using the two methods were then compared to actual thigh length for each swimmer and the differences recorded. Mean differences between actual and computed thigh lengths for the two methods were shown to be similar. However, the spread of mean differences was much less when the actual thigh length was used for calibration. This result strongly supports the use of thigh length as a more accurate method of calibration for one-camera 2D underwater motion analysis.
Description:
The aim of this study was to compare the cycling performance of cyclists and triathletes. Each week for 3 weeks, and on different days, 25 highly trained male cyclists and 18 highly trained male triathletes performed: (1) an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer for the determination of peak oxygen consumption ((V) over dot O-2peak), peak power output and the first and second ventilatory thresholds, followed 15 min later by a sprint to volitional fatigue at 150% of peak power output; (2) a cycle to exhaustion test at the (V) over dot O-2peak power output; and (3) a 40-km cycle time-trial. There were no differences in (V) over dot O-2peak, peak power output, time to volitional fatigue at 150% of peak power output or time to exhaustion at (V) over dot O-2peak power output between the two groups. However, the cyclists had a significantly faster time to complete the 40-km time-trial (56:18 +/- 2:31 min:s; mean +/- s) than the triathletes (58:57 +/- 3:06 min:s; P < 0.01), which could be partially explained (r = 0.34-0.51; P < 0.05) by a significantly higher first (3.32 +/- 0.36 vs 3.08 +/- 0.36 l . min(-1)) and second ventilatory threshold (4.05 +/- 0.36 vs 3.81 +/- 0.29 l . min(-1); both P < 0.05) in the cyclists compared with the triathletes. In conclusion, cyclists may be able to perform better than triathletes in cycling time-trial events because they have higher first and second ventilatory thresholds.
Description:
Background: Minimising the likelihood of injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during abrupt deceleration requires proper synchrony of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. However, it is not known whether simple verbal instructions can alter landing muscle activity to protect the knee. Objective: To assess the efficacy of verbal instructions to alter landing muscle activity. Methods: Twenty four athletes landed abruptly in single limb stance. Sagittal plane motion was recorded with an optoelectric device, and ground reaction force and surface electromyographic data were recorded for the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semimembranosus muscles. Subjects performed 10 landings per condition: normal landing (N); repeat normal landing (R); landing after instruction to increase knee flexion (K); and landing after instruction to recruit hamstring muscles earlier (M). Muscle bursts immediately before landing were analysed relative to initial foot-ground contact (IC). Results: The K condition resulted in significantly (p0.05) greater knee flexion at IC compared with the other conditions. The M condition did not result in earlier hamstring muscle activity, but instead caused significantly (p0.05) earlier rectus femoris onset relative to IC, with a similar trend for the vastus lateralis. As these muscles are ACL antagonists, earlier onset times would be detrimental to the ACL. Conclusions: Subjects successfully increased knee flexion during landing following the K condition instruction. However, further research is warranted to establish the efficacy of more extensive lower limb muscle retraining programmes to ensure landings that decrease susceptibility to ACL injury.
Description:
Aim. The interaction between running, stretching and practice jumps during warm-up for jumping tests has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of running, static stretching of the leg extensors and practice jumps on explosive force production and jumping performance. Methods. Sixteen volunteers (13 male and 3 female) participated in five different warm-ups in a randomised order prior to the performance of two jumping tests. The warm-ups were control, 4 min run, static stretch, run + stretch, and run + stretch + practice jumps. After a 2 min rest, a concentric jump and a drop jump were performed, which yielded 6 variables expressing fast force production and jumping performance of the leg extensor muscles (concentric jump height, peak force, rate of force developed, drop jump height, contact time and height/time). Results. Generally the stretching warm-up produced the lowest values and the run or run + stretch + jumps warm-ups produced the highest values of explosive force production. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) between the control and run + stretch warm-ups, whereas the run yielded significantly better scores than the run + stretch warm-up for drop jump height (3.2%), concentric jump height (3.4%) and peak concentric force (2.7%) and rate of force developed (15.4%). Conclusion. The results indicated that submaximum running and practice jumps had a positive effect whereas static stretching had a negative influence on explosive force and jumping performance. It was suggested that an alternative for static stretching should be considered in warm-ups prior to power activities.
Description:
This short report describes a 20-month follow-up of safe diving skills, extending the 8-month retention period previously published in this journal. Thirty-four recreational swimmers with poor diving skills were evaluated before and immediately after a diving skills intervention program. Twenty-two returned for the eight-month follow-up evaluation and 16 returned 20 months post. As with the earlier study, Treadwater, Deck, Block and Running dives were video-recorded, and maximum depth, distance, velocity, entry angle and flight distance were compared. Underwater hand and arm positions were examined. Pre-intervention, a breaststroke arm action before maximum depth occurred in 18% of all dives and 38% of Treadwater dives. This was eliminated post-intervention, improving head protection. The Treadwater dive elicited the greatest mean maximum depth, and ANOVA showed depth for this entry decreased (improved) following intervention and remained shallower at the eight-month and 20-month post follow-ups. The Block dive also became shallower following intervention while the Deck dive remained unchanged. As seven 10-minute skills sessions resulted in shallower dives with safer hand and arm positions, and these skills were retained over a 600 day non-practice period, it is reliable to consider that the inclusion of safe diving skills in learn-to-swim programs can provide a diving spinal cord injury prevention strategy.
Description:
Context: Flexibility tests are sometimes thought to be related to range of motion in dynamic activities, but such a relationship remains to be determined. Objective: To determine the correlation between flexibility and hip and knee angles in Australian football kicking. Design: Correlation. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 16 Australian Rules football players. Main Outcome Measures: Hip and knee angles of the preferred kicking leg in a relaxed position were determined with a modified Thomas test. Maximum hip extension, the knee-flexion angle in this position, the maximum knee-flexion angle, and the hip angle at this position during the swing phase of maximum-effort drop-punt kicks were determined. Results: Significant correlations were found between hip flexibility and maximum hip extension (r =.65, P < .01) and hip angle at the maximum knee-flexion angle (r = .70, P < .01). Conclusions: The data indicate a moderate association between hip flexibility and hip angles during kicking.
Description:
Context: Flexibility tests are sometimes thought to be related to range of motion in dynamic activities, but such a relationship remains to be determined. Objective: To determine the correlation between flexibility and hip and knee angles in Australian football kicking. Design: Correlation. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 16 Australian Rules football players. Main Outcome Measures: Hip and knee angles of the preferred kicking leg in a relaxed position were determined with a modified Thomas test. Maximum hip extension, the knee-flexion angle in this position, the maximum knee-flexion angle, and the hip angle at this position during the swing phase of maximum-effort drop-punt kicks were determined. Results: Significant correlations were found between hip flexibility and maximum hip extension (r =.65, P < .01) and hip angle at the maximum knee-flexion angle (r = .70, P < .01). Conclusions: The data indicate a moderate association between hip flexibility and hip angles during kicking.
Description:
The purpose of the present study was to examine the reproducibility of laboratory-based 40-km cycle time-trial performance on a stationary wind-trainer. Each week, for three consecutive weeks, and on different days, forty-three highly trained male cyclists (x̄ ± SD; age = 25 ± 6 y; mass = 75 ± 7 kg; peak oxygen uptake [V̇O 2peak] = 64.8 ± 5.2 ml x kg-1 x min-1) performed: 1) a V̇O2peak test, and 2) a 40-km time-trial on their own racing bicycle mounted to a stationary wind-trainer (Cateye - Cyclosimulator). Data from all tests were compared using a one-way analysis of variance. Performance on the second and third 40-km time-trials were highly related (r=0.96; p < 0.001), not significantly different (57:21 ± 2: 57 vs. 57:12 ± 3:14 min:s), and displayed a low coefficient of variation (CV)=0.9 ± 0.7%. Although the first 40-km time-trial (58:43 ± 3: 17 min:s) was not significantly different from the second and third tests (p = 0.06), inclusion of the first test in the assessment of reliability increased within-subject CV to 3.0 ± 2.9%. 40-km time-trial speed (km x h -1) was significantly (p < 0.001) related to peak power output (W; r = 0.75), V̇O2peak (1 x min-1; r = 0.53), and the second ventilatory turnpoint (1 x min-1; r = 0.68) measured during the progressive exercise tests. These data demonstrate that the assessment of 40-km cycle time-trial performance in well-trained endurance cyclists on a stationary wind-trainer is reproducible, provided the athletes perform a familiarization trial.